New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch is "just a guy", ESPN analyst Cris Carter said on "The Big Show" on WEEI.

The New York Jets should have opportunities against the weak Patriots' secondary, writes Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.

Buffalo Bills defensive lineman John McCargo is likely to see his first action of the season on Sunday.

Miami Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai has developed into a force in the middle of the defense.

The Baltimore Ravens defense will be focused on bottling up Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Holding penalties have been a problem for the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line.

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Anthony Collins is making the most of his increased playing time, writes Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Cleveland Browns third-round quarterback Colt McCoy plans to play again this season.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker won't play on Sunday against the Titans.

Tennessee Titans quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains might be calling the plays this Sunday.

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett was encouraged and should be able to go this week against Dallas.

Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams has a sports hernia.

Despite splitting the carries, Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles has a shot at the rushing title.

Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton and wide receiver Brandon Lloyd belong in the Pro Bowl discussion, writes Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post.

San Diego Chargers running back Mike Tolbert will be the leading man in the team's backfield, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes.

A sore Oakland Raiders defense will be challenged by the Chargers' offense, writes Vittorio Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is counting on Mike Williams being available to play this Sunday.

Newly signed San Francisco 49ers kicker Jeff Reed expects to be on the roster for the remainder of the season.

The Arizona Cardinals could use a game-changing performance from Darnell Dockett on Sunday.

St. Louis Rams linebacker David Vobora's impending start this week means all six linebackers have started one game this season.

Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers has done an outstanding job this season.

Minnesota Vikings interim head coach Leslie Frazier is optimistic that Adrian Peterson will play on Sunday.

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was not fined for yelling at an official during Sunday's win over the Eagles.

Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew is quietly having a stellar sophomore season.

New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips has been a difference-maker in the secondary, writes Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger.

Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Winston Justice injured his knee on Thursday, but hopes to play against Dallas in Week 14.

Half of the Washington Redskins starting secondary will miss tomorrow's game against the Giants.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna is proving that he's still got it, writes Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas will be a game-time decision on Sunday.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Corey Lynch will get the start for the injured Cody Grimm.

Avoiding turnovers has been a key part of the Atlanta Falcons' success this season.

The Carolina Panthers elevated quarterback Keith Null from the practice squad on Friday.

Today's NFL birthdays: Bengals safety Tom Nelson (24), Browns left tackle Joe Thomas (26), Colts practice squad cornerback David Pender (23), Jaguars sixth-round cornerback Scotty McGee (24), Dolphins linebacker Ikaika Alama-Francis (26), free agent linebacker David Holloway (27), wide receivers Matthew Simon (25) and Bobby Sippio (30), and fullback Kennedy Tinsley (24). Retired quarterbacks Jeff Blake (40) and Frank Reich (49), and linebacker Ted Johnson (38).